February 26 Incident

The February 26 Incident, also known as the Military Rebellions of 1936, was a coup attempt in Japan by young ultranationalist army officers. The incident began on February 26, 1936, when approximately 1,500 soldiers, led by junior officers of the Imperial Way faction, occupied key government buildings in Tokyo. They assassinated several prominent political and military leaders, including the finance minister and the prime minister's brother-in-law, intending to establish a military government.

The coup ultimately failed as the rebels could not gain widespread support, and the Imperial Way faction was subsequently purged from the army. This event significantly weakened the influence of political parties and strengthened the military's control over the Japanese government, paving the way for further militarization and aggression in the lead-up to World War II.12